Symmetry: Math in the Garden

I was helping one of my kids with a geometry lesson on the different types of symmetry when my mind floated out into the garden.  No, I wasn't daydreaming!  The garden is a great way to illustrate the types of symmetry! 

Royal Procession

As a self-professed Word Nerd, I am fascinated by nomenclature and etymology in general.  This is especially true when it comes to my plants.  Have you ever wondered how a plant got that strange botanical name?  As well, I often wonder how a plant came about its common name or its cultivar designation.  Most often, a plant's name reflects its physical appearance, its origin, or its habitat.  That's easy enough to figure out.  Occasionally, plants are named after animals or people.  As I strolled my garden this weekend, it struck me that many of my plants have been given royal names.  These most regal of plants surely deserve the honor!  Below is my royal procession.  Are you entertaining any royals in your garden?

All About Alliteration

I was feeling much better today after a recent bout with the flu, so I made my first garden walkthrough in a few days.  I hate not getting out to visit my plants.  It was a rainy, cool walkthrough.  Thankfully, everything's still there (!) and looking the better for my absence, I must admit.  More green in the lawn.  Cannas and crinums are coming back to life.  Even a couple of ti plants are shooting out new leaves from the top, which means those won't have to be cut back.  So, anyway, a few of my babies just called out to have their photos taken today.  For a fun little "twist," I gave them all alliterative titles.  Can you say these 5 times fast?

Roy G. Biv

A Rainbow in Subtropical Central Florida:
(Click to enlarge.)

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